Remember When: Clarissa’s Story (A Ravenswood Novel)
1818. With family responsibilities discharged and her fiftieth birthday fast approaching, Clarissa Ware, Dowager Countess of Stratton, retires home for a quiet summer alone to ponder her future. Though they welcome her company and love her deeply, her family no longer really needs her. Might it be time to think of her own wishes, for a change? Perhaps renew her acquaintance with Matthew Taylor, her close childhood friend?
But though born a gentleman, Matthew has rejected his birthright and become a village carpenter, albeit of more than common artistic talent. The gap in their social status has widened, and the Regency era is oppressively hierarchical, especially at the higher levels. Can they span the gap? Do they want to? How will others react?
This is a second chance romance which confronts not only Clarissa and Matthew with challenges, but their families too. If they want to find true happiness and fulfilment, however, they must take risks: leave behind the comfort of their familiar pattern of life; recognize that ‘all humanity was flawed’ and acknowledge their own failings; forgive others and, most importantly, themselves. Not an easy journey, but one conducted with Balogh’s customary wisdom and grace.
Highly recommended.
